Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Heavy rainfall in Delhi on Friday morning caused widespread traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns due to severe waterlogging across the city.
Significant rain in north, south, and central Delhi, including Connaught Place, led to major disruptions during peak office hours. Key stretches in the New Delhi area, such as Minto Road, ITO, C-hexagon near India Gate, Shanti Path in Chanakyapuri, and Civil Lines, were heavily affected.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall recorded from 8:30 AM on Thursday to 6:30 AM on Friday was significant, with Safdarjung, representing Delhi’s weather, recording 39mm at 8:30 AM. IMD officials noted that Delhi University received 89.5mm of rainfall, while IGNOU recorded 34.5mm, with New Delhi and South Delhi experiencing higher amounts of rain.
A yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall with thundershowers has been issued for Saturday. The maximum temperature for the next two days is expected to be around 35°C, with a minimum of around 26°C.
Major underpasses across the city, including Jakhira, Azadpur, Minto Bridge, Ashok Vihar, and Jahangirpuri, were submerged on Friday, exacerbating the traffic situation. Delhi’s traffic police issued advisories for commuters to avoid the Minto Bridge and suggested alternate routes.
“Traffic coming from Connaught Place on Minto Road can divert to the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Barakhamba Road towards Turkman Gate, and Kamla Market via Ranjeet Singh flyover. Similarly, traffic coming from Kalma Market roundabout on Minto Road can be diverted on Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Marg towards Connaught Place via Ranjeet Singh flyover,” the traffic police advised.
In addition to this, the traffic police shared pictures of vehicle breakdowns on social media accounts, indicating the severity of the situation. Around 7:30 AM, they warned that traffic would remain affected on the Ring Road, Vandematram Marg, and NH-48 due to waterlogging under the Dhaula Kuan flyover and at GGR/PDR near Metro Pillar No 156.